test trek procaliber 9.7 2023

2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 Review

Are you looking for a mountain bike that can live up to your intense practice sessions and heavy duty mountain biking? Look no further than the 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7, which is designed for maximum performance.

The 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 is an incredibly lightweight cross country bike that has been specially engineered to deliver top-notch performance even in tougher terrains.

Designed with a carbon fiber frame, front suspension and modern components that make it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced riders alike.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 and how its strong points and weak points can point you in the right direction when making your next mountain bike purchase decision.

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 is the latest hardtail mountain bike from Trek, offering an aggressive and adept off-road ride and featuring advanced technology that sets it apart from the competition.

With 100mm of travel and a super lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, this bike is ready to shred any terrain. Here is a detailed review of the Trek Procaliber 9.7:

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 is a high-performance cross country mountain bike built for speed and agility on challenging terrain.

Featuring an ultra-light weight carbon fiber frame with 100mm of travel, this hardtail all-mountain machine puts you in trademark Trek performance, while the SRAM GX Eagle component groupset provides precise shifting and top-notch performance, no matter the trail.

With Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires for unparalleled grip and stability over rocks and roots and hydraulic disc brakes, stopping power is always within reach.

A RockShox Reba RL, Solo Air spring shock providing predictable travail through bumps and drops, the 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 gives riders total control of their riding style while they explore new trails with confidence.

– Ultra lightweight OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with IsoSpeed, tapered head tube, Knock Block, and internal control routing

– RockShox Reba RL, Solo Air spring with 100mm of travel, Motion Control damper, and remote lockout

– SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain; 10-52t cassette paired to a 32t chainring on a SRAM X1 Eagle crankset

– Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, 29×2.20” tires for superior grip and stability

– Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheelset

– Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power

– Only 23lbs!!

Frame & Suspension

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 features a lightweight and incredibly stiff OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, which is up to 21% lighter than aluminum frames of comparable design.

Combined with Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheelset and RockShox Reba RL forks, this mountain bike has precise steering and ensures efficient power transfer with every pedal stroke.

The 100mm of travel helps keep the front wheel planted on rougher tracks while providing enough traction over jumps and bumps in the trail.

Drivetrain & Brakes

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 offers reliable shifting performance powered by Sram GX Eagle 12-speed 1x drivetrain.

This drivetrain features low friction seals for smooth gear changes even through mud or snow and gives excellent control over all riding surfaces thanks to it’s 10-52 range cassette with one-way clutch derailleur, and 32t chainring.

The Sram hydraulic disc brakes deliver reliable all-weather braking power that travelers can rely on in any situation.

Riding Experience

The handling of the Trek Procaliber 9.7 is outstanding no matter what terrain you take it onto as its wider 29″ wheels rolls fast over tight corners, while its suspension setup keeps your center of gravity low so you can stay in complete control at all times; especially at higher speeds when the heavy terrain gets rough!

And with its 23lbs total weight, the bike feels like an extension of yourself when accelerating out of tricky switchbacks or shooting off huge jumps!

All in all, if you’re looking to feed your need for speed while keeping things under control on steep trails, then the Trek Procaliber 9.7 is perfect for you!

Based on our detailed review, we think it offers great value for money without sacrificing performance for durability or aesthetics – this mountain bike truly ticks all boxes!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek Procaliber 9.7 review

• Alan Muldoon
• April 7, 2020

Crosses the finish line first because it’s the fastest bike. Simple.

Trek Procaliber 9.7 Credit: Future PLC

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek procaliber 9.7.

• Speed with comfort
• No dropper post

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:, editor’s choice 2020.

Since the dawn of mountain biking, engineers and enthusiasts have been trying to make the humble hardtail more compliant. We’ve had suspension seatposts, soft-tails, flex stay, curved stays, mono-stays and box stays. You name it, someone has tried it. No approach however, has been as effective as Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler; first developed on its road bikes designed to race across the gruelling cobbles of Paris Roubaix.

And while the execution of the design is complex, like all good ideas, the concept is elegant in its simplicity. By decoupling the seat tube from the top tube, Trek is able to let the seat tube flex more easily, which in turn transmits less vibrabration to the rider. Or, to think about it another way, the seat stays run into the top-tube, instead of the back of the back seat tube.

Whatever way you slice it, Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler offers a noticeably smoother ride when seated. So even though the Procaliber 9.7 isn’t one of the new breed of progressive XC hardtails with slacker geometry, we were still able to ride it faster with less fatigue than any other XC hardtail in test. It’s incredible turn of speed enhanced further by the Bontrager Kovee Elite carbon rims. They also tipped the balance of the scales in Trek’s favour too, as the Procaliber 9.7 was also the lightest bike in our XC hardtail test.

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.

>>> MBR Trail Bike of the Year 2020

Modern XC race hardtails aren’t just designed to be ruthlessly efficient on the climbs. The best composite frames also use custom carbon layering, unique fibre alignments and sculpted tube profiles to engineer in compliance. And while the Procaliber 9.7 incorporates all of the above, Trek takes it one step further with its IsoSpeed technology.

First designed to improve the comfort of its road bikes, IsoSpeed decouples the seat tube from the top tube, which in turn allows the seat tube to flex more easily and transmit less trail buzz to the rider. The simple idea being, less systemic rider fatigue leaves more energy for turning pedals. Sounds great in theory, right? Well, the good news is, it’s even better in practice.

Yes, the extra tech involved in IsoSpeed adds a few grams to the frame weight, but Trek has still managed to produce the lightest bike in the test, even if it’s only 110g lighter than its closest rival, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon R. Most of the savings are rotational weight – the carbon Bontrager Kovee Elite wheels guaranteeing that the Trek is lightning fast off the start line.

IsoSpeed decoupler is a game-changer

In fact we were so surprised to see carbon hoops on the Procaliber 9.7, we actually double-checked that Trek hadn’t sent a more expensive model by mistake. As it turns out it couldn’t have, even if it had wanted to, as the Procaliber 9.7 at is actually the most expensive XC hardtail that Trek offers in the UK.

RockShox reba fork is responsive but also offers decent support

In the RockShox hierarchy, the 100mm-travel Reba on the Trek sits below the SID on the Mondraker but above the Judy on the Specialized Epic HT . It strikes a great balance in terms of performance too. On high-speed chatter it’s more forgiving on your hands than the SID, but it still offers more support for cornering and cranking hard than the Judy.

And if you really want to tighten up the response of the suspension fork for a spot of black-top blasting, the RockShox under-bar remote lockout is always within easy reach. It feels plastic-y compared to the remote on the Scott Scale 920, but thanks to the super-light cable action it’s effortless in use. And, because the release lever sits proud of the lockout lever, you always open up the fork when you reach for it in a moment of panic.

Silicone grips save weight as well as your hands

Have we mentioned the Trek’s lightweight carbon wheels? Well, we should also highlight that they were the only wheels in the test to come set up tubeless. All you have to do is add sealant, which Trek kindly provides.

The contact points on the Procaliber are sorted too, and we particularly liked the ESI Chunky silicone grips . Granted the 12-Speed Eagle drivetrain with its 11-50t cassette doesn’t give you as wide a gear range as the Scott, but the SRAM XG-1230 cassette still offers a marked improvement in shifting performance over the Specialized.

Performance

When we first set eyes on the Trek, it wasn’t love at first sight. If anything, we thought the size large bike looked a little ungainly with its inverted 95mm stem and taller top tube. We even went as far as to peg it ‘the roadie’s mountain bike’.

Then we rode it. From the first pedal stroke the Procaliber took the lead in this test and never faltered. We were instantly won over by its effortless turn of speed, in part thanks to the carbon wheels, but it’s also about the more forgiving ride quality of the frame. Bumps just didn’t chip away at our speed as much as they did on the other bikes on test. And even when we were out of the saddle, the Procaliber was still the smoothest bike here. So much so, that the real limiting factor on rougher more technical terrain is saddle height. So while the weight savings of the OCLV carbon seatpost aren’t to be sniffed at, we’d swap it for a short-travel dropper in a heartbeat.

Stablemates

Trek procaliber 6, £1,400.

This is the entry-level bike in the Procaliber range. It gets an Alpha Platinum aluminium frame rather than carbon, but it still sports the IsoSpeed design that decouples the top tube from the seat tube to offer a smoother, faster ride. The geometry and sizing also mirror our test winner, so handing should be on point too.

Trek Supercaliber 9.7, £4,000

If you want the look of a hardtail but an even more forgiving ride than the Procaliber 9.7, how about the new Supercaliber? With its IsoStrut design delivering 60mm of travel, it could well be the perfect balance between hardtail efficiency and weight saving, with full-suspension comfort and control.

What’s new for 2021?

Depending on personal preference and course conditions, Trek wanted to make it easier for riders or races to swap between the Procaliber hardtail and the Supercalibrer suspension bike. So for 2021 the sizing and geometry of the Procaliber has been brought inline with the 60mm travel Supercaliber. The end result is that the Procaliber gets a half a degree slacker head angle for improved steering stability. The reach measurement has also increased by 10mm, while the stem shortens by the same amount so the fit remains the same. All positive changes, that should guarantee the 2021 Procaliber retains its winning performance.

• Crosscountry
• Rider Notes

2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7

A 29″ / 27.5″ carbon frame hardtail crosscountry bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

Procaliber 9.7

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Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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Compare the full Procaliber model range

155cm – 166cm

164cm – 176cm

177cm – 189cm

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

Jun 2023 · Ben Haworth

Sure, you can ride the Trek Procaliber 9.6 whenever and wherever you like but the raison d’être of this bike is to perform between race tape.

Read Review

Building on it’s IsoSpeed equipped predecessor’s comfort and the modern geometry of the short-travel Supercaliber, the all-new Trek Procaliber hardtail gets all the right updates. Modern geometry, cleaner cable routing, and improved steer-ability make it faster than ever. What’s new about the 2021 Trek Procaliber? The geometry’s the biggest change you’re likely to feel. Based […]

Apr 2020 · Alan Muldoon

The Trek Procaliber 9.7 crossed our finish line first because it’s the fastest bike on test. And in XC racing, that’s all that counts.

Speed with comfort

No dropper post

This hardtail is a lightweight and dependable mountain bike with a carbon frame and wheels.

Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 Carbon, tubeless-ready wheels

Lightweight carbon frame with IsoSpeed decoupler

100mm RockShox Reba RL fork with remote lockout

Handlebar is on the narrow side

Last updated 30 March

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Trek Procaliber 9.7

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / SM, MD, MD/LG, LG, XL, XXL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon, IsoSpeed, tapered head tube, Knock Block, internal control routing, balanced post-mount brake, Boost148
• Fork RockShox Reba RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, remote lockout, tapered steerer, 42 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 100 mm travel
• Hubs Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, 108T Rapid Drive, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• Wheels Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.20""
• Chain SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Crank Size: S, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32T alloy ring, 52 mm chainline, 170 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32T alloy ring, 52 mm chainline, 175 mm length
• Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB, 92 mm, PressFit
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
• Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501 lever, MT500 caliper
• Handlebar Size: S, M, ML, Bontrager Kovee Elite, alloy, 35 mm, 5 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager P3 Verse Elite, stainless steel rails, 145 mm width
• Seatpost Size: S, Bontrager Pro, OCLV Carbon, 31.6 mm, 0 mm offset, 330 mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Pro, OCLV Carbon, 31.6 mm, 0 mm offset, 400 mm length
• Stem Size: S, Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 13-degree, 60 mm length; Size: M, ML, Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 13-degree, 70 mm length; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 13-degree, 80 mm length; Size: XXL, Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 90 mm length
• Grips ESI Chunky

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7?

A 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 is typically priced around €3,299 EUR when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7?

The 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 have?

The 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 should I get?

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Trek Procaliber 9.7 im Test

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• 25 Jahre Garantie

Qualität der Bauteile

Die wichtigsten Wertungen des Procaliber 9.7 ⬤ im Vergleich zum relevanten Marktumfeld (Racehardtail bis 4500 €) ⬤ .

Preis/Leistung-Check

Diese Grafik zeigt dir auf einen Blick die Preis/Leistung des 3299 € teuren Procaliber 9.7.

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• AUSSTATTUNG

Je steiler der Winkel des Sitzrohrs ist, desto effizienter können Sie in die Pedale treten.

• Rahmen Procaliper
• Rahmenmaterial Carbon
• Gabel RockShox Reba RL, Solo Air spring, Motion Control damper, remote lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 100mm travel
• Federelement Luft
• Lenkerlockout ja
• Bandbreite 520%
• Schaltung 1x12
• Schalthebel SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
• Schaltwerk SRAM GX Eagle
• Kurbel Size: S, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32T alloy ring, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32T alloy ring, 52mm chainline, 175mm length
• Kassette SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12 speed
• Kette SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
• Bremsen Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501 lever, MT500 caliper
• Bremsscheiben Ø 180/160
• Laufradsatz Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Vorderreifen Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.20''
• Hinterreifen Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.20''
• Sattel Bontrager P3 Verse Elite, stainless steel rails, 145mm width
• Sattelstütze Size: S, Bontrager Pro, OCLV Carbon, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 330mm length; Size: M, ML, L, XL, Bontrager Pro, OCLV Carbon, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 400mm length
• Vorbau Size: S, Bontrager Elite, 35mm clamp, 13 degree, 60mm length; Size: M, ML, Bontrager Elite, 35mm clamp, 13 degree, 70mm length; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Elite, 35mm clamp, 13 degree, 80mm length
• Lenker Size: S, M, ML, Bontrager Kovee Elite, alloy, 35mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width; Size: L, XL, Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Lenkerbreite 750
• Steuersatz Knock Block Integrated, 62-degree radius, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

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2023 Trek Procaliber 9.7 Bike

• Write Review

Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

• IsoSpeed decoupler seat tube design increases vertical compliance
• Straight Shot frame design with Knock Block steerer stop
• Internal cable routing with integrated channels
• Includes Bontrager TLR tubeless rim strips, valve stems, and sealant
• Weight given for size MD set up tubeless

Trek website

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Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

High Performance and High Value Meet in the Trek Procaliber 9.7

This hardtail is a lightweight and dependable mountain bike with a carbon frame and wheels.

The Takeaway: The Procaliber 9.7 is one of the best hardtail mountain bikes you can buy for less than four grand.

• OCLV Carbon frame
• Tubeless-ready carbon wheels
• Incredibly light

The tradeoff for a killer carbon frame and carbon wheels on a sub-4K bike is the drivetrain. The SRAM NX Eagle is reliable but doesn’t offer the crisp shifting of pricier component groups like Shimano XT or X01 Eagle. It’s also notably heavier than those groupsets, with most of that weight in the cassette and crankset.

IsoSpeed Decoupler

The IsoSpeed decoupler, unique to Trek, is an interesting feature. It adds vertical compliance by creating a hinge of sorts between the seat tube and the top tube, allowing the former to move independently of the latter. If you’ve never ridden a bike with this decoupler, you might be inclined to think it’s snake oil. Given that we live i n a world flush with companies touting frames with vertical compliance and lateral stiffness (with varying levels of success), I’ll forgive you that assumption. But make no mistake, this is no snake oil. The IsoSpeed adds so much compliance you can actually see the seat tube moving under you if you bounce on the saddle. To be fair, some of that flex comes from the carbon seat post, which further adds to the vertical compliance. Together they make a bike that’s surprisingly comfortable for long, hard hours of trail riding .

Fast Wheels

Tubeless-ready carbon wheels are a rare find at this price.

Remote Lockout

The RockShox Reba RL fork has a handlebar-mounted remote lockout.

XR2 Team Issue Tires

These tires are wicked fast on dry trails and hold their own in the mud.

NX Eagle Drivetrain

An 11-50 cassette and 30t chainring provide all the gearing you need.

Vertical Compliance

The IsoSpeed decoupler makes this bike comfortable over long, rough trail rides.

Initially I was put off by that soft feeling. I tested the Procaliber right on the heels of the very lively Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro . By comparison the Procaliber 9.7 felt subdued, almost boring. In early test rides, I misdiagnosed this bike as dead and lifeless. However, once I became more familiar with the Procaliber 9.7, I realized I was feeling the effect of the decoupler. The claims of vertical compliance were real. The more time I spent banging around the rough and rocky trails of my test track, the more I realized this bike was still just as lively as other hardtails, but the rough edges I was accustomed to were gone.

Procaliber Family

The Procaliber line consists of three bikes, and the 9.7 resides at the top of the list. At $2,600, the 9.6 is laced with the nicer but more expensive Shimano XT drivetrain, but the cost is balanced by cheaper alloy wheels and a RockShox Recon Gold fork (noticeable steps down from the 9.7). This bike is a super deal for anyone who already has a nice set of wheels they really like. If aluminum frames are your jam, the Procaliber 6 warrants consideration.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} Trek Procaliber 9.7 Details

Style XC Material Carbon Wheel Size 29-inch Fork 100mm RockShox Reba RL Drivetrain SRAM NX Eagle Cranks Truvativ Stylo 6k Eagle Dub Chainring 30t Cassette 11-50 Brakes Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc Wheels Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 Carbon Tires 2.2-inch Tubeless-ready Bontrager XR2 Team Issue Saddle Bontrager Montrose Comp Seatpost Bontrager Pro OCLV Carbon Handlebar 720mm Bontrager Race Lite Alloy Stem Bontrager Elite

Geometry That Bucks The Trend

On paper, the Procaliber 9.7 thumbs its nose at the current trend of long, low, and slack mountain bikes. A 69.5-degree head angle is as steep as you’ll find on an XC bike, half a degree steeper than the already aggressive Cannondale F-Si and a full degree steeper than Specialized’s Epic Hardtail. A slack 72-degree seat angle also runs against the grain, especially next to the aggressive 74 degrees of the Specialized. It stands in stark contrast to modern XC bikes that are trending towards slacker head angles and steeper seat angles. The reach is short (457mm), stack is low (628mm), and the bottom bracket is high (311mm).

However, it would be foolish to pass this bike over because it doesn’t conform to a trend. The slack seat angle was apparent before I even looked at the geometry because I had to slide my saddle farther forward than I’m accustomed to, as was the short reach, amplified by the narrow 720mm handlebar. After a few hours, I was comfortable on the bike, accustomed to the sharp steering that required a light touch, and riding as hard and fast around my test track as I’ve done on any other bike.

Smooth, Steady, And Fast

As I alluded to earlier, I was slow to warm up to this bike. My last tester was the Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro, which I described as lively, wild, and exciting. Compared to the Specialized , this Trek initially appeared dull and uninspiring. Like a fine wine, it took its time to open up to me. Still, there was no spark.

If the Epic Hardtail Pro is the wild affair, the Procaliber 9.7 is the safe bet, the one you invite to Thanksgiving. And costing just under two thousand dollars less, it's also a cheaper date .

It’s hard to find a fault with this bike. It’s shockingly light—my XL test sample weighed in at only 21.6 pounds. Considering the Epic Hardtail Pro tipped the scales at 21.3 pounds, benefitting from lighter SRAM X01 groupset, carbon cranks, and a carbon handlebar, you’ll see it’s very easy to drop major weight off the Trek if you're a weight weenie. Of course, the NX Eagle drivetrain doesn’t shift as smoothly as SRAM’s higher-level groupsets, but it’s a fair tradeoff for the top-flight frame and carbon hoops. This bike is everything you could ask for from a cross country hardtail: light, fast, responsive, and compliant. At $3,780, it’s not cheap, but it offers incredible value.

procaliber Procaliber 9.7

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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Trek Procaliber 9.7 SL review

Hardtail with IsoSpeed to iron out trail chatter

Mick Kirkman

Guy Kesteven

Svelte, contemporary frame, isospeed pivot smooth buzz, rapid ride

Smoothing tech can be a double-edged sword, needs fatter treads to get the most from it

Trek’s unique IsoSpeed road bike and cyclocross comfort tech has been translated to full-on mountain bike use with the Procaliber cross-country machine. We've previously spent a little time on the top-line 9.9 and mid-range 9.8 models, but recently got in the humbler 9.7 version to give it a thorough interrogation as to whether IsoSpeed is a winner on the trail.

Loose joints

The IsoSpeed coupling replaces the normal fixed joint between top tube and seat tube with a pivot. Add a flattened lower seat tube section, and the top of the seat tube is able to move independently of the rest of the frame if the bike hits a bump.

Trek Procaliber 9.8 SL – first ride

‘Boost’ rear hub spacing (148x12mm) for extra tracking stiffness, neat cable/hose management and two bottle cages complete a slick and contemporary frame. The smallest size (15.5in) runs on 650b wheels while the other four use 29in wheels to keep size and shape proportional.

The IsoSpeed coupling allows the seat tube to move independently of the rest of the frame

The Boost rear end is matched by a 110x15mm Reba RL Boost fork and RockShox’s new OneLoc remote lockout lever. While the asymmetric frame is ready for a twin-ring crankset and front shifter, the 9.7 SL gets a 1x11 SRAM GX setup. The Shimano Deore brakes are an awkward fit with the shifters but work reliably.

The rest of the kit is from Trek’s Bontrager sub- brand, including a narrow bar/ long stem XC cockpit and a surprisingly chunky post and saddle for a racer. Bonty also supplies the narrow Mustang Elite wheels, wrapped in minimal-tread XR1 Expert rubber.

Seated smoothing

The question everyone asked when we were riding the Trek was “does it [IsoSpeed] work?”. The answer is a definite yes, though it only has an effect when seated. Whether you’re riding the bike or watching someone else ride it, you can see the seat tube, post and saddle flexing back and forth in relation to the top tube. You can feel this flex taking the edge off smaller bumps and rocky trail chatter too.

While IsoSpeed adds some tangible softness, the Procaliber is still a rapid beast

You can also notice the seat bouncing underneath you in time with your pedal stroke as soon as revs drop and torque increases up steep climbs or through heavy mud. In some circumstances this pulsing feel seems to help you gain traction and sustain speed, but in others the bounce made us wish we had a rear lockout.

Related: Softtail shootout – BMC Teamelite vs Trek Procaliber

Despite the chunky chainstays channelling your wattage to the rear wheel and a rock-solid front end adding undiluted shoulder power into the mix, there’s a definite softness at full gas compared with a conventional hardtail. The smooth ride also means its inability to deal with mid-size hits can catch you out at first, leaving you stumbling over steps, rocks and roots.

Although they’re marked as 2.2in, the tyres are only 1.9in in width, with a harsh ride that undermines the smoothness potential of the frame. Swap to fatter tyres and the added composure combines with the precise ‘Boosted’ handling and a complete bike weight of just over 11kg to create a surprisingly confident and capable ride that’s still rapid to accelerate and flies up climbs with minimum effort.

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